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The pre-release of new information ahead of the Geneva Motor Show from manufacturers continues with Volkswagen getting in on the act presenting limited info and pics for its latest iconic Golf GTI.

We’re not really learning much more than we saw in Paris last year, but we can now confirm some details with greater clarity. The Golf VII GTI will be available in two specifications, standard with 162kW (220PS) and the GTI Performance with 169kW (230PS) plus a locking front diff and bigger brakes. Both specs enjoy 350Nm of torque available from 1500–4400rpm.

The regular GTI can reach 100km/h in 6.5 seconds (6-speed manual) while the GTI Performance sneaks in just below that mark at 6.4 seconds. Similarly, the GTI Performance boasts a modest increase in top speed. It tops out at 250km/h up from the 246km/h achievable in the standard spec.

Thankfully, Volkswagen has finally scrapped those horrible 17″ “phone dial” alloys first seen on the Mk5 GTI in favour of these much fussier but much nicer Brooklyn wheels. Standard spec is 17″ with 225/45 sized tyres.

It’s exactly what you’d expect on the inside of the new GTI, with the highlight features being a model specific leather-wrapped steering wheel and “Clark” tartan fabric on the seats.

Fuel consumption from the new direct injection 2.0 turbo has been slashed by almost 20%. Like the new Golf GTD, it is the manual box that is the more fuel efficient, using 6.0l/100km whereas the 6-speed DSG is rated at 6.4l/100km (GTI Performance 6.5l/100km).

The new GTI’s kerbweight (standard spec) has been confirmed at 1351kg using the RL 92/21/EEC guidelines, which includes allowances for a 68kg driver, 7kg of luggage and a 90% full fuel tank.

You can have the Mk7 GTI in any colour you like so long as its Black, Pure White or Tornado Red. It’s expected to be on sale in Australia later this year, perhaps even as early as mid-year (although we’d suggest you don’t count on that).

We expect there’ll be more detailed information available next week and if so we’ll be sure to bring it to you then. We’re keen to learn more about the VAQ locking diff, for starters.

UPDATE: Volkswagen Australia has confirmed the Mk7 GTI will be released locally in the fourth quarter of this year.

New Golf GTI—Volkswagen presents new Golf GTI at Geneva International Motor Show

Available at two power levels for first time: standard 220 PS or GTI Performance with 230 PS

Wolfsburg, 27 February 2013 – At the Volkswagen company, the letters “GTI” have stood for superior dynamic performance for over three decades now. In the tradition of previous models by the same name, Volkswagen is introducing the latest version of the Golf GTI at the Geneva International Motor Show. For the first time, the legendary compact sports car is available at two power levels: the standard 220 PS or the GTI Performance with 230 PS and front axle differential lock.

The new GTI is powered by a turbocharged petrol direct-injection engine (TSI) with 162 kW / 220 PS. For the first time in the history of the sports car icon, a special GTI Performance will be offered. In this version, the engine’s maximum power is boosted to 169 kW / 230 PS. Both GTI versions develop a maximum torque of 350 Nm. The standard GTI accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 246 km/h. The GTI Performance reaches a top speed of 250 km/h and just 6.4 seconds for the sprint to 100 km/h.

Both GTI versions are equipped with a Stop-Start system, they fulfil the EU-6 emissions standard that takes effect in 2014 and – with a 6-speed gearbox – they attain the same low DIN fuel consumption value of 6.0 l/100 km (CO2: 139 g/km). This means that the Golf GTI offers an 18 per cent improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous model. With the optional 6-speed DSG, the two GTI cars consume 6.4 and 6.5 l/100 respectively (equivalent to 148 and 150 g/km CO2).

The sporty character of the Golf GTI is reflected in its traditional red-painted brake callipers, two chrome tailpipes and a sport suspension. The exterior of the compact sports car also scores with 17-inch “Brooklyn” GTI wheels and 225/45 size tyres, special side sills, a diffuser and smoked LED rear lights (including LED licence plate illumination).

Visual highlights in the interior are top sport seats in tartan pattern (“Clark”), a black roofliner and red ambience lighting.

The cars also offers sporty GTI features such as a sport steering wheel, GTI gear shift grip and instrument cluster, special trim strips and stainless steel pedals and foot support.

Volkswagen assures an optimal mix of comfort and safety in the Golf GTI. Customers can choose from the standard body colours “Tornado Red”, “Black” and “Pure White”. In Germany, advance ordering for the new Golf GTI begins on the 5th of March, and prices start at 28,350 euros.

Yeah, the wheels are a bit naff and don’t really jell with the conservative approach to the rest of the car.

This and the GTD fuel consumption kind of raises the point why you’d bother with a DSG – yes, it might be slightly faster but you sacrifice driving enjoyment/engagement, round town refinement and fuel consumption for it. Vive la manual!! (sorry, I’m climbing down off my soapbox now)

Would love to buy one of these, but the fact that they are so popular is a massive drawback for me.

I’m sure it will be an excellent car that will blow the others out of the water as a value for money, do eveything well kinda car, but for me I’d rather have something a little different even if it does have a few drawbacks in comparison to the GTI.

Surely BMW will need to drop the price of the 125i now or at least add some more kit.